5/31: Memorial Day ceremony in Avondale

by Jessica Testa - May. 24, 2010 01:34 PMThe Arizona Republic

At the Avondale Civic Center, a brick path stretches between the amphitheater and the courthouse, reaching across decades of wars in remembrance of those who have served in the United States armed forces.

On Memorial Day, Avondale is hosting a ceremony on this "Walk of Honor," honoring its local veterans.

The bricks are engraved with names, dates, military branches and messages from loved ones. New bricks are donated and laid each Labor Day and Memorial Day.

"It's really quite touching," said Ingrid Melle, spokeswoman for Avondale. "People really come to reflect on those who have served our country. They sit on our dedicated benches and look at the path and are mesmerized by it all."

This Memorial Day, 21 bricks will be added to the path. To celebrate, the city is hosting a candlelighting ceremony along the path at sunset May 31.

Whitten, who served as an Army specialist for nearly 10 years, has been a part of the Avondale ceremony since its conception in 2004. He has been a part of a military family his whole life, from his father to his grandchildren.

"I am a veteran myself, and I appreciate my fellow veterans," he said. "[The path] is a recognition of the service that veterans have provided their country, especially those that have paid the ultimate price."

American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars local posts are co-hosts of the ceremony.

"It's a collaborative initiative with our local veterans and it's something that the residents have always wanted," Melle said. "It's an important reflection on those who serve."

Applications for Memorial Day bricks have already closed, but veterans' loved ones can dedicate bricks now for the Veterans Day ceremony.